Monday, January 7, 2013

"If the World is Night, Shine My Life Like a Light"

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My Two Favorite People in Saint Peter's Basilica 2009
photo by Amy Brandon

Last week, when I wrote about the books I read in 2012, I completely forgot about the six books I'd read aloud to some of my new friends over the course of the year. A little over a year ago, I listened as a friend of mine spoke about her passion and her new business: an adult day care program for special-needs adults. My son had recently moved out to go to college, and I felt completely lost and unravelling in a world that no longer included one of my two favorite people on a daily basis. He (along with my younger daughter) had been my passion and my calling for 18 years, and I had no idea how to handle his leaving. My friend was so passionate about her vocation serving these truly special people that I wanted more than anything to give something of myself to them, but what? What could I do? After the presentation, I went up to her and asked if she could please find some way for me to volunteer at her center. She said, "Well...what can you do? What are you good at?" I immediately answered the one thing that pops into my head when people ask this type of question: "I read well," I said, "Really, that's all I do well. How could that be useful?" She said, "Come read to us once a week." And so I did. And it has continued, every week, to be a blessing to me to do so. My new friends make me feel like a rock star everytime I enter the room, and they clap and smile and call out my name. I am sure I get more out of it than do they. So if you're thinking of volunteering, and you think you don't have a gift to share, think again, and ask. We all have something to share, even if it's just our time and love. Peace to you all in the new year.